Want to know the best vantage points around Sydney Harbour to watch the fireworks on New Years Eve? There are lots of family-friendly spots that have amazing views! Or if you prefer to stay closer to home, there are plenty of local firework displays happening on the North Shore, Northern Beaches, Parramatta & Central Coast.
Best family-friendly NYE events
North Shore Vantage Points
Bradfield Park, Milsons Point
You can’t get any closer to the fireworks in Sydney than iconic Bradfield Park in Milsons Point. Nestled next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is a central vantage point, with a vibrant atmosphere and close to all the fireworks action.
Bradfield Park is a picnic style, family-friendly event for New Years Eve. Pass-outs are permitted on the day. As well as the dining options around Kirribilli village, there will also be 11 food trucks serving a variety of cuisine (including vegan and vegetarian options) and coffee and gelato carts.
Visitors will only be able to enter the parks with a valid ticket. Infants under 2 years old will be admitted free but will still need a ticket which can be booked online with an adult ticket.
- Address: Fitzroy St, Milsons Point
- Entry: $10 + $2.75 booking fee. Buy online!
- Opens: 8am
- More information
Athol Lawn at Bradleys Head, Mosman
Athol Lawn at Bradleys Head is a great family-friendly spot to watch the Sydney Harbour fireworks. Roll out a blanket, bring your own picnic or food is available to buy on the night. There are only partial views of the fireworks, but a great atmosphere!
Bradleys Head is an alcohol and glass free zone for NYE. Public transport is highly recommended as there is no parking available.
- Address: Athol Lawn, Bradleys Head
- Opens: 3pm
- Tickets: $21 – $100
- More information
The Mast precinct at Bradleys Head, Mosman
The Mast Precinct is a relaxed, family-friendly space for watching the Sydney fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Choose your spot on the upper road, boardwalk or grass around the Mast. Bring a picnic or buy delicious food from a variety of stalls.
- Address: The Mast precinct at Bradleys Head
- Opens: 3pm
- Tickets: $29-$120
- More information
Cremorne Point Reserve, Cremorne Point
Cremorne Point Reserve on the North Shore is a family-friendly spot with views of the eastern side of Sydney Harbour. It does become congested later in the day, so get there early to secure your spot. Offers some views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, some partial views due to trees. There are toilets, as well as food and drink available for purchase. Public transport is highly recommended as there is no parking available. Limited bus access after road closures, limited ferry service.
- Address: Cremorne Point
- Opens: 1pm
- For more information
Balls Head Point Reserve, Waverton
Balls Head Point Reserve has restricted views of the Harbour Bridge and has steep embankments. There are toilets available but no food or drink will be on sale.
- Address: Balls Head Drive, Waverton
- More information
Carradah Park, Waverton
A local park in Waverton with partial views of the Sydney fireworks. There are toilets available but no food or drinks on sale, so pack a picnic!
- Address: Larkin Drive, Waverton
- More information
Manns Point, Greenwich
A family-friendly site with views over Darling Harbour and Barangaroo. Obstructed views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and fireworks.
- Address: Prospect St, Greenwich
- Opens: 3.30pm
- More information
Clarkes Point Reserve, Woolwich
A perfect vantage point to watch the NYE fireworks with friends and family. Bring a picnic.
- Address: Clarke Road, Woolwich
- More information
Taronga Zoo, Mosman
Taronga Zoo has magnificent views of Sydney Harbour and you can enjoy the fireworks amongst all the squawks of the night time zoo creatures. You can bring your own picnic or purchase food and drinks onsite.
- Address: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
- Tickets: Children from $110, Adults from $200 , Families from $558
- More information
Blues Point Reserve, North Sydney (SOLD OUT)
Blues Point Reserve features incredible views of the city and is a great spot to celebrate the New Year. This vantage point is a ticketed event.
There are toilets, as well as food and drink available for purchase. Public transport is highly recommended as there is no parking available.
- Address: Blues Point Road, McMahons Point
- Entry: $10. Tickets have sold out for 2019, but keep it in mind for 2020 and book early!
- Opens: 8pm
- Tickets: Tickets have sold out for 2019, but keep it in mind for 2020 and book early!
- More information
Mary Booth Reserve, Kirribilli (SOLD OUT)
Mary Booth Reserve is a small elevated reserve with fantastic views of Harbour bridge and Opera House. Again, this is another very busy spot. There are toilets plus food and drinks for sale at this location. Ticket holders for Mary Booth Reserve can also access Bradfield Park. Access Mary Booth Reserve at the Bradfield Park entrance.
- Address: Bradfield Park entrance.
- Entry: $10. Tickets have sold out for 2019, but keep it in mind for 2020 and book early!
- More information
The Amphitheatre at Bradleys Head, Mosman (SOLD OUT)
The Amphitheatre at Bradleys Head is a ticketed event with prime views of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
- Address: The Amphitheatre at Bradleys Head
- Tickets: Tickets have sold out for 2019, but keep it in mind for 2020 and book early!
- More information
Best family-friendly NYE events
Sydney City Vantage Points
Sydney Opera House
A popular vantage point to watch the fireworks for up to 7000 people. No BYO alcohol. There is food and drinks available for sale. In 2018 capacity was reached at 1pm
- Address: Bennelong Point
- Opens: 7.30am
- More information
West Circular Quay
West Circular Quay is a very popular spot to watch the fireworks so viewing areas of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House get congested, however there are non-viewing areas available and you can move freely to toilets, food and exits. The site includes west Circular Quay promenade, First Fleet Park, Museum of Contemporary Art podium and Tallawoladah lawn areas.
There are toilets, as well as food and drink available for purchase. Public transport is highly recommended as there is no parking available.
- Address: Alfred Street, Sydney
- Opens: 10am
- More information
Mrs Macquaries Chair
Fantastic views of the fireworks for up to 16,000 people. A free site that reaches capacity late in the afternoon. No BYO alcohol. There is food and drinks available for sale
- Address: Mrs Macquaries Road, Botanical Gardens
- Opens: 10am
- More information
Darling Harbour
Celebrate Sydney New Year’s Eve at Darling Harbour with free 9pm and midnight fireworks at Cockle Bay. Darling Harbour is the family friendly place to ring in the new year.
- Address: Darling Harbour
- Opens: 1pm
- More information
Midnight at the Oasis (SOLD OUT)
This is the ultimate New Year’s Eve experience. Celebrate in style at this premium event with incredible harbour views, live music, and a 3-course meal from your reserved table. You’ll soon discover why Sydney has been hailed the New Year’s Eve Capital of the World. 18+ only.
- Address: Fleet Steps South, Mrs Macquaries Point, The Domain
- Opens: 6.30pm
- Tickets: Tickets have sold out for 2019, but keep it in mind for 2020 and book early!
- More information
Barangaroo (SOLD OUT)
Barangaroo has sold out for 2019 but you can sign up to their newsletter for pre-sale information for 2020.
- Address: Barangaroo
- Tickets: Tickets have sold out for 2019, but keep it in mind for 2020 and book early!
- More information
Cahill Expressway (BALLOT CLOSED)
The Cahill Expressway is one of Sydney’s best free vantage points, above Circular Quay. Every year you have the opportunity to win one of more than 6,000 tickets to either the 9pm or midnight fireworks on the Cahill Express. Unfortunately this years NYE Ballot has already ended but visit the Roads and Maritime Services website next year to go into the draw!
Local Firework Displays
Northern Beaches
Manly Cove, Manly
Head to Manly this New Year’s Eve for an alcohol-free, family-friendly entertainment program along Manly Cove. Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy the roving entertainment from 5 pm, followed by a fireworks display over Manly Wharf from 9pm.
There are public toilets, as well as food and drink available for purchase.
- Address: East and West Esplanade, Manly
- Opens: 5pm
- More information
Dee Why Beach, Dee Why
For an easy, family-friendly New Year’s Eve, head to Dee Why! Bring a picnic or enjoy dinner and drinks at the many restaurants along The Strand (be sure to book!), which will be closed to traffic from 4-10pm. The fireworks will begin at 9pm and are launched from a barge off Dee Why Beach.
Alcohol will be prohibited on both the beach and the reserve to ensure a family-friendly atmosphere. Public transport is recommended.
Rowland Reserve, Bayview
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with family, friends and picnics at the Fireworks Spectacular at Rowland Reserve. There will be a fireworks display at 9pm and 12pm. Rowland Reserve is an Alcohol Prohibited Zone on New Year’s Eve.
- Address: Rowland Reserve, Bayview
- For more information
Western Sydney
Parramatta Park, Parramatta
Bring your picnic rug to this event’s new home in Parramatta Park and settle in for an evening of family-friendly entertainment and spectacular fireworks as Parramatta hosts one of Sydney’s largest New Year’s Eve celebrations. Enjoy live music and family entertainment on The Crescent stage. Got little ones on board? Enjoy some family-friendly entertainment, hosted by MC Sean Murphy. Enjoy the Kids stage on Coronation Hill. Plus take a spin on the amusement rides and grab a tasty treat from one of the many food vendors. Then at 9pm experience light and colour for Parramatta’s largest fireworks spectacular across three firing zones! Public transport is the best way to travel to the event. Visit the website for the full program and transport details.
- Address: Cnr Pitt and Macquarie Streets, Parramatta
- Time: 4.00pm – 1opm
- More information
Central Coast
The Entrance, Central Coast
Welcome in the New Year or celebrate the end of the year with your friends and family at The Entrance family orientated New Year’s Eve event.
Entertainment starts at 4.30pm on the Sails Stage and kicks off in Memorial Park at 6pm finishing the program with a fantastic fireworks display over The Entrance Channel at 9pm. Amusement rides and stalls will be available for extra fun in the park.
- Address: Memorial Park, The Entrance
- Time: 6pm – 9.15pm
- More information
Comments
Central Coast was great 🙂